Clubs rally for charity auction

David Dowthwaite (left), John Murray, Bronwyn Webster, Don Gollan, Anne Walsh, Bruce Lowe and Bryan Collins with the Hyundai car which will be auctioned at the Rotorua Charity Luncheon. Photo / Stephen Parker

The power of Rotorua's community will be on display at the inaugural Rotorua Charity Luncheon.

Rotorua Lakes, North, West and Sunrise Rotary Clubs have combined to hold a charity auction, for what they are hoping could become one of Rotorua's most anticipated social events.

This was their largest project yet, organising committee member Don Gollan said.

"It has always been the plan at some stage to join together. We can do more as a larger group."

Mr Gollan said the auction at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Friday, November 13 would be very entertaining, with awesome speakers like Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dick Tayler and rugby commentator Paul Allison, who would MC the event.

Auction items include a range of sporting memorabilia, such as signed jerseys from the All Blacks, Vodafone Warriors and the Super 15 Chiefs, but the biggest item up for grabs is a new Hyundai Accent car.

Mr Gollan said the community had been very supportive, and was hoping they would get behind the event.

"We are hoping to raise over $100,000, which is a modest goal. This will appeal to people coming to the event - maybe they will look to join a Rotary Club because we have a lot of fun.

"We want to make it something everyone puts on their calendar."

He said all funds raised would be pumped back into the community through main recipients Whare Aroha, St John Ambulance, and Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society.

Hyundai Rotorua dealer principal Bruce Lowe said he enjoyed getting behind community events.

Other recipients will be Rotorua Community Hospice, Riding for the Disabled, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Plunket Rotorua, Rotorua Lakes Coastguard, St Chad's Rotorua, Rural Volunteer Fire Brigade, and the Sunset Primary School Breakfast Programme.

Other items include a jeroboam of Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2009, Pak'nSave Rotorua vouchers, art, and recreation and leisure packages.

- Tickets are available now from Ticketmaster, with an early bird special price of $1000 for a table of 10 if bought before August 31. Individual seats are $120.